Call for evidence on recognition of professional qualifications and regulation of professions

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has opened a call for evidence to gather insights on the recognition of professional qualifications and regulation of professions.

The aim of this call for evidence is to gather insights to inform the development of the UK's long-term approach to the way professional qualifications from outside the UK are recognised and professions are regulated. It invites evidence from stakeholders on three main policy themes:

1. How the UK recognises professional qualifications from other countries, to inform the UK's future approach. After the end of the transition period the UK will have the opportunity to amend or replace its system of qualification recognition as it applies to EU, EEA EFTA and Swiss professionals.
2. Experience of professionals moving and operating within the UK internal market, to support the UK Government's thinking in relation to the effective operation of the UK's internal market.
3. How professions are regulated in the UK, both professions that are regulated by law and those that are voluntarily regulated.

BEIS want to hear from the broad range of individuals, businesses and organisations that interact with all aspects of regulated professions, in particular:

• students studying for a professional qualification at a university, in further education or on an apprenticeship
• people who use the services of regulated professionals
• UK or international regulated professionals
• businesses which employs regulated professionals
• education providers who support individuals in acquiring qualifications needed to enter regulated professions
• individuals with a particular interest

What is a 'regulated professional'?¹
The most common form of professional regulation occurs when an individual is required by law to gain a qualification, or carry out specific training, and then register with a regulator to practise that profession or use a professional title. A broad range of professions are regulated this way, such as architects, nurses and security guards. This makes sure that those providing services have the appropriate knowledge and training.

There are some professions where there is voluntary regulation; where certain qualifications or experience may be required for membership of a professional body which governs those members. This type of regulation does not usually limit or prevent access to the profession generally. These types of professions include Chartered Architectural Technologists, Chartered Building Surveyors etc.

How to respond
You can submit your views through this online questionnaire. If you do provide feedback, please contact Tara Page, Education and International Director, [email protected] to let her know you have done so.

¹ ^{In the UK most professions are regulated by law or public authority. This type of regulation is generally intended to protect the public interest. Professions that are regulated in this way are often more tightly regulated. This might take one of several different forms, including:}

^{Licensing is the tightest form of regulation. For example, nurses cannot practise unless their qualification meets the standards set in legislation. Nurses are regulated by the public authority – the Nursing and Midwifery Council.}

^{Certification by law or public authority. Certification schemes do not legally limit who may carry out the tasks covered by the profession. Practitioners may apply to be certified as competent by an authority that is underpinned by legislation. For example, architects must meet the standards required by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to use the title of 'architect'. But the activities of an architect are not limited by legislation, so individuals could provide similar services without using the title of 'architect'.}

^{Other professions are voluntarily regulated. Generally, this type of regulation is to signal the quality of the professional service that is being marketed to consumers. This type of regulation can take slightly different forms, including:}

^{Accreditation schemes are not usually restricted by law and are regulated by independent bodies. Accreditation does not legally limit who may carry out professional activities. This means that practitioners have the option of applying for an accredited title from the relevant body but can otherwise practise the profession. For example, acupuncturists can qualify to be accredited as a 'registered acupuncturist' by the British Acupuncturist Council.}

^{Chartered professional bodies are a common form of a voluntary accreditation scheme. Chartered status is achieved by the professional body being granted Royal Charter by the Privy Council.}